Zeus, Dog of Chaos - by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, the award-winning author of A Dog Like Daisy, delivers another heartwarming must-read middle grade novel for dog lovers. Equal parts funny and poignant, this book from the point of view of the service dog, Zeus, is perfect for fans of Max and A Dog Called Homeless.

Zeus comes from a long line of heroic dogs, and he dreams of glory as a K9 commander. But he receives a much more dangerous assignment--middle school! And as all good service dogs know, the only way to get through hostile territory is by being invisible.

Zeus's new human, Madden, is diabetic, and he wants to be invisible, too. That's hard to do with a huge German Shepherd at his side to alert him when his blood sugar drops. And it's even harder because Madden makes this noise called music that draws attention. Zeus's mission becomes clear: he must destroy music.

While Zeus's training prepared him for his most important job--keeping Madden safe--he discovers the human world is complicated. As Madden dreams of winning the state band competition and tries to reconnect with his mom, the lieutenant, Zeus must learn that, sometimes, you need to stand out to fulfill your duty.

Review Quotes

"Readers who have always wondered what their pets are really thinking will love this cleverly written story from the perspective of Zeus, a German Shepherd service dog. Young readers who love dogs, play an instrument in band, or have experience with invisible illness will relate to Madden and his desire to just be a regular middle-school kid." -- School Library Journal

"Tubb has written another charmer, sure to be popular with young dog lovers for its sheer joyful exuberance" -- Chattanooga Times

PRAISE FOR A DOG LIKE DAISY: "Daisy's wry comments on human foibles and eccentricities...combine to paint a moving picture of suffering and, ultimately, redemption. Daisy is distinctive and memorable, and this depiction of PTSD is useful, making this a fine, compelling tale." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Avid canine lovers will surely appreciate the intimate look at Daisy's yearning for purpose. The focus on...service dogs should enlighten readers about the ways our four-legged companions function as more than just pets. A poignant animal tale, and a strong addition to most collections." -- School Library Journal

"Daisy's voice is strong, painting a world with canine synesthesia: happy days are yellow, untruths taste like turkey bacon. With joint appeal to children of soldiers and dog-lovers, this is likely to find a broad audience." -- Booklist Online

"The emotional journey of veterans experiencing PTSD is a difficult subject, and this book explores it with empathy and candor. The commitment of these characters--human and canine--to confront their past and find freedom in the future offers an inspiring example of personal resilience." -- Chapter 16

"Beautifully written, this big-hearted book is filled with courage, guts, loyalty, and hope, just like Daisy herself. Truly a celebration of the healing power of love!" -- Bobbie Pyron, author of A Dog's Way Home

"A story that is at once heartbreaking and heart healing. It is a story that reminds us that wisdom can be found in unlikely places. That our enemies can become our best friends. And that what we need is sometimes right in front of us." -- Lois Sepahban, author of Paper Wishes

PRAISE FOR THE 13TH SIGN: "An original, action-packed plot, a resilient heroine, a twist ending and 12 sly, angry Keepers will hold readers on edge. The ultimate astrological fantasy." -- Kirkus Reviews

"The swiftly paced plot will please readers used to Hunger Games-style action. Kids into astrology and horoscopes will hang on every chapter, especially when they find out that the concept of Ophiuchus exists and is used in some beliefs." -- Booklist Online

PRAISE FOR SELLING HOPE: "Tubb deftly ingrains a thoughtful ethical question into the story...but never overdoes it in this bouncy tale populated by a terrific cast of characters. The well-synthesized period flavor extends right down to the one-liners that punctuate Hope's earnest, easygoing, and perfectly pitched narration." -- Booklist (starred review)

"Tubb uses rich historical material well in this clever story whose time line is a 17-day countdown to the comet catastrophe." -- School Library Journal